The Belarusian opposition seeks talks with the government, and not the authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko, according to Anna Krasulina, spokeswoman of Svetlana Tychanovskaya.
"We didn’t really expect a dialogue with him,” Krasulina, who’s in the Lithuanian capital together with Tikhanovskaya, told LRT.lt on Thursday evening.
Tikhanovskaya was the main challenger to Alexander Lulashenko in the August 9 presidential election. She arrived in Lithuania shortly after the vote. Lithuanian officials previously said she faced a "direct threat".
Read more: Lithuanian PM meets with Belarus' opposition candidate Tikhanovskaya
“We are hoping for dialogue with responsible officials in the government, who understand what is happening and are judging it adequately,” she said. “As long as [Lukashenko] has the slightest illusion that he can maintain his rule, he will hold on to it.”
“When the last illusions disappear, he will get on board a plane without any negotiations. Therefore, it’s unlikely we’ll have to discuss anything with him,” said Krasulina. “In any case, it’s pointless for anyone to bet on Lukashenko, because it’s a bet on a dead horse."
Krasulina said they notice solidarity from the Western countries, including the US, Canada, and the EU.
Leaders are calling Tikhanovskaya themselves, “recognising her victory and saying that Alexander [Lukashenko] is not the legitimate president”, said Krasulina.
According to her, it means that officials don't have to follow orders by Lukashenko.
“Lukashenko’s resources are depleting by the day. Someone goes over to the side of the nation everyday, and the resources of the nation therefore increase – it’s a one way traffic.”
Later on Friday, Tikhanovskaya is due to give her first press conference since arriving in Vilnius on August 11.
Read more: Tikhanovskaya tested negative for coronavirus, Lithuanian president says
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